THERAPY PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Therapy Program Assistant sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It asks for 2 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $42,397 to $61,027, and state payroll currently lists about 61 people in the title, led by Human Services.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Department of Human Services's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Health posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 61 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $57,163. The agencies employing the most are:
- Human Services (34)
- Health and Senior Services (27)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under the close supervision of a professional therapist or other supervisory official in a state department, facility, institution, or agency, assists in implementing therapeutic program activities. Duties include performing a variety of subprofessional tasks in various therapy program areas, such as recreational, vocational, occupational, physical, behavior modification, or applied behavior analysis; does other related duties as required.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience providing care and custody to institutionalized individuals with intellectual, developmental, cognitive, and/or physical disabilities or psychiatric disorders in a psychiatric hospital, long-term care facility, residential facility, or a related agency. This experience should have involved assisting in the implementation of occupational, physical, recreational, and/or behavioral therapy programs aimed at rehabilitating clients through a variety of therapeutic and recreational activities. NOTE: Applicants who do not possess the required experience may substitute college credits in any combination of the following areas: psychology, social work, behavior modification, applied behavior analysis, special education, or fine, decorative, or practical arts, on a year-for-year basis for up to two years, with fifteen (15) semester-hour credits being equal to one year of experience. The prior arts curriculum should have covered any combination of classes in drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking, ceramics, crafts, glassware, jewelry, and/or textile design. Classes in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or recreational therapy programs for individuals with intellectual, developmental, cognitive, or physical disabilities are also acceptable as a substitution.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position. SPECIAL
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the types of activities involved in various therapy programs, including recreational, vocational, occupational, physical, behavior modification, and/or applied behavior analysis. Knowledge of the challenges and limitations faced by clients with developmental, physical, or psychological disabilities in facility settings. Knowledge of best practices for establishing and maintaining routines and activities in various therapy program areas in settings such as psychiatric hospitals, long-term care facilities, residential facilities, or a related agency. Knowledge of the objectives and goals of various therapy programs for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in settings such as psychiatric hospitals, long-term care facilities, residential facilities, or a related agency. Knowledge of the equipment, materials, and techniques used in arts and crafts activities, such as sewing, embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, basketry, rug-making, crocheting, pottery-making, and woodworking. Knowledge of various types of recreation and play activities involved in recreational therapy. Knowledge of the procedures for operating recreational therapy equipment. Knowledge of the activities used in physical, recreational, and occupational therapy programs. Knowledge of the procedures for operating physical therapy equipment, such as standing boxes, wheelchairs, and leg braces. Knowledge of the procedures for operating occupational therapy equipment, such as adaptive feeding tools, scooping boxes, and hand braces. Knowledge of equipment, materials, and techniques used in vocational and rehabilitation activities, such as carpentry or painting. Knowledge of socialization skills, including basic communication, adaptability, and social perceptiveness. Knowledge of behavior modification and applied behavior analysis techniques, including positive reinforcement, task analysis, and prompting and fading. Knowledge of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) skills, including housekeeping, laundering, mending, and cooking tasks. Knowledge of personal hygiene practices for individuals with physical, developmental, or cognitive impairments. Knowledge of marketing and sales techniques for promoting products created by clients. Knowledge of the procedures for applying prosthetic limbs and other support devices. Knowledge of procedures for physically restraining clients in accordance with healthcare and facility standards for the use of restraints. Knowledge of crisis response procedures and protocols in facility settings. Knowledge of water safety procedures for individuals with special needs. Knowledge of American Red Cross First Aid techniques and best practices. Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques. Ability to lift, move, and physically restrain clients in accordance with facility policies. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to provide instructions and assistance to clients during therapeutic activities. Ability to prepare equipment and gather supplies for clients' use during therapeutic activities. Ability to perform minor repairs and maintain equipment used in therapy programs. Ability to collaborate with supervisors, healthcare professionals, and facility staff. Ability to enforce facility rules and regulations to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of clients. Ability to observe and document clients' progress, behavior, and physical condition. Ability to requisition and document the use of materials, supplies, and equipment for clients' activities. Ability to operate a rescue resuscitator in accordance with facility policies. Ability to administer CPR. Ability to administer first aid. Ability to implement water safety and rescue techniques for individuals with special needs, where appropriate. Ability to maintain established records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. EXAMPLES OF WORK: Under professional or other supervision, implements program activities for recreational, vocational, occupational, physical, behavior modification, and/or applied behavior analysis therapies. Leads client groups in therapeutic activities, including recreational, vocational, occupational, physical, behavior modification, and/or applied behavior analysis techniques and exercises. Schedules clients' daily activities as outlined in their treatment plans or individual habilitation plans (IHPs). Creates, organizes, and maintains work areas for clients. Teaches clients arts and crafts techniques and how to use equipment for activities such as sewing, embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, weaving, basketry, woodworking, rug-making, ceramics, and other related activities. Prepares, maintains, and distributes materials for arts and crafts for clients' use. Operates and maintains recreational, physical, and/or occupational therapy equipment. Directs clients in recreational and play therapy activities, such as organized sports, group trips, movie nights, organized games, or facility dances. Teaches clients vocational skills and proper work habits. Instructs clients in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) skills by demonstrating and promoting independence with housekeeping, laundering, cooking, and personal grooming tasks. Assists clients in developing and using socialization skills. Encourages clients' participation in their treatment plans. Employs behavior modification and/or applied behavior analysis techniques, such as positive and/or negative reinforcement, task analysis, and extinction methods. Employs the crisis intervention techniques established by the facility, including the appropriate use of restraints according to healthcare standards and facility policies. Markets and sells crafts and other items made by clients. Documents clients' participation in therapeutic activities on their progress evaluation charts. Monitors, reports, and documents clients' participation, progress, and conduct toward their set therapeutic goals. Observes and documents clients' appearance, health, and behavior to track signs of regression or improvement based on their established therapeutic program. Applies prosthetic limbs, supportive devices, and other mobility aids. Changes clients' diapers and soiled clothing under facility policies. Assists clients with personal care needs such as restroom usage, bathing, and dressing in accordance with facility policies. Operates a rescue resuscitator in response to medical emergencies in accordance with facility policies and procedures. Assists clients during water activities in facility pools, where available. Requisitions, monitors, and documents the use of therapeutic and program equipment, materials, parts, and supplies. Follows facility procedures and protocols to ensure the safety and security of clients and staff. Ensures that work areas and facility equipment comply with established health and safety standards. Transports or escorts clients to activities, appointments, or outings. Maintains records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to physically lift, move, and reposition clients as needed.